Capitalising the economic potential of Muslim world will take centre-stage at the second World Islamic Economic Forum

The second World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), an initiative dedicated to the exchange of ideas, business collaboration and economic co-operation among Muslim nations and between Muslims and non-Muslims, will bring together political leaders, industry heads and prominent personalities to explore the theme, "Unleashing the Economic Potential," at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan from November 5 to 7, 2006.
Announcing the event at the joint press conference in Islamabad today (September 7, 2006), Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF Foundation said: "The Muslim world is at a crossroads today, with governments, leaders and citizens of Islamic states faced with the dilemma of fulfilling their economic aspirations within the value system of their societies while at the same time, having to positively deal with the challenges, perceptions and expectations of the wider non-Muslim world."
"This historic meeting of business leaders, experts and decision makers from around the world is unique in the sense that it addresses a very important and powerful trend that has acquired centre-stage in the world today and that is the steady emergence of Muslim markets in the context of an ever increasing significance and integration of Islamic finance and services into the international financial system," he said.
"We are not meeting merely for business collaborations but we are actually saying that we are doing so in the context of a changing system, one that is increasingly favouring and accepting Islamic finance and service as an important component of the international financial system. Thus, the Forum acknowledges this underlying strength and advantage and offers participants with discussion topics that take into account this renewed vigour, unleashing the economic potential that is inherent in our emerging markets," Musa added.
Hosted by the Government of Pakistan, the event is organised by the WIEF Foundation, and co-organised by ASLI in association with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade. The conclave will be addressed by a host of distinguished personalities including the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz and the Malaysian Prime Minister, Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Similarly, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will join other global Muslim leaders in a special keynote leadership panel on 'Muslim Leadership in a Globalised World.' The inaugural WIEF held in Malaysia in October 2005 was attended by more than 600 participants.
Speaking at the press conference, H.E. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Economic Affairs, said: "In today's energy-dominant economic order, it is important to ensure that revenues from the vast oil and gas reserves found in Islamic countries are channelled into assisting sustainable economic development of other Muslim countries. The Forum will address this and other issues that promote cross-border trade, commerce and investment by providing a conducive ground for interaction and networking among government representatives, industry heads, regional experts, professionals and corporate managers. "
She also added: "Considered as one of the world's best-performing markets, Pakistan today is an important player in the international community, given its strategic investment location and geopolitical role. Recent measures such as economic reforms, liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation policies have created exciting opportunities for foreign direct investments, boosted investor confidence and driven up economic growth, making the country the ideal venue for holding the prestigious meet."
The WIEF will focus on key issues such as Muslim economic renaissance, revitalising the 56-member strong Organisation of Islamic Conference, the body devoted to promoting Muslim solidarity in economic, social and political affairs; the role of Muslim leadership in a globalised world, the development of entrepreneurship and leadership qualities among youth and women, promoting inter-faith harmony, understanding trends in science and technology and Islam and the Western world.
In keeping with the Forum's theme, deliberations at the event will also focus on exploring investment opportunities in the sectors of tourism and infrastructure development; information, telecommunications and outsourcing; water, energy and resources and enhancing the competitiveness of Muslim companies and businesses.
(Prestigious event will assemble Muslim leaders and decision-makers in Pakistan from November 5 to 7, 2006.)
SECOND WORLD ISLAMIC ECONOMIC FORUM - November 5, 6 & 7, 2006
PROGRAMME:
DAY ONE 5 November 2006: 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm
-- PRE-FORUM ROUNDTABLES / PARALLEL PROGRAMMES
(By Special Invitation)
-- WIEF Young Entrepreneurs Roundtable
-- Venue: Shamadan Hall No-3, Serena Hotel
This Roundtable comprising 30-40 global young Muslim business leaders will promote interaction, sharing of insights, ideas and experiences as well as business opportunities among global Muslim young entrepreneurs. The Roundtable seeks to establish a Global Network of Young Muslim Entrepreneurs.
Chairman: Dato' Nazir Razak, Group Chief Executive, CIMB Berhad Malaysia
-- Panelists:
-- Mr Omar Ayub Khan, Minister of State for Finance, Government of Pakistan.
-- Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head - Corporate Social Responsibility, KPMG International, London
-- Mr Omar Mustapha, Managing Principal & Director, Ethos & Company, Malaysia
-- Mr Ghouse Akbar, Akbar Group of Companies, Pakistan
3.00pm-5.00 pm
-- WIEF MUSLIM WOMEN ROUNDTABLE
"Unleashing the Potential of Muslim Women"
-- Venue: Shamadan Hall No-1, 2 Serena Hotel
-- The Women Roundtable aims to promote partnership and co-operation among Muslim Women, particularly in business and management. It also aims to provide opportunities from sharing of best practices, ideas and knowledge as well as promote women leadership in Muslim countries, communities and companies
-- 3.00pm-320pm Inaugural Speech by:
-- H.E. S. Musharraf, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
-- Tea Break 3.20pm-3.30pm
-- Panel Discussion: 3.30pm-5.00pm
-- Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Government of Pakistan.
-- Princess Zahra Agha Khan, AKF, France
-- Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor, Central Bank of Malaysia
-- Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan
-- Dato Dr Norraesah Mohamad, Chairperson, World Islamic Businesswomen Network, WIEF
-- Moderators
-- Ms. Mahreen Khan, Media Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan
EVENING
-- 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm :INAUGURAL CEREMONY
-- Venue: Main Hall Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Recitation from the Holy Quran
-- Welcoming & introductory remarks by: Tun Musa Hitam
-- Chairman, World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation and Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia 6.20 pm
-- "Challenges of Social Development to Islamic world"
-- Dr Ahmed Mohammad Ali, President, Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah
-- OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
-- "The Way Forward for Muslim Economic Renaissance"
-- H.E. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
-- SPECIAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS
-- "Enhancing Global Competitiveness And Trade Among Muslim Countries"
H.E. Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Chairman of the OIC & Prime Minister of Malaysia
-- SIGNING OF MOUs 8.30 pm - 10.30 pm
-- WELCOMING DINNER & CULTURAL PERFORMANCE HOSTED BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
-- VENUE: PRIME MINISTER HOUSE (BY INVITATION)
DAY TWO 6 November 2006: 9.30 am
-- Arrival /Registration of guests 10.00 am
-- Guests to be seated 10.30 am - 12.30 pm:
-- PLENARY SESSION 1
-- Venue: Main Hall Jinnah Convention Centre
-- KEYNOTE LEADERSHIP PANEL
-- "Challenges for Muslim Leadership in a Globalized World"
-- In this new era of paradox with uncertainty and insecurity caused by global terrorism, high oil prices, rising interest rates on the one hand and, sustained growth and prosperity on the other, leaders of Muslim nations need to respond to new challenges: How to bridge the development divide within nations? How to ensure no groups are marginalised and left behind? How to ensure growth is sustained? How to narrow the civilizational divide between Muslims and non-Muslims? How to promote co-operation and partnership? New challenges called for bold, visionary and enlightened leadership. What does the world expect of Muslim leaders?
-- Invited Panelists:
-- H.E. Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
-- H.E. Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman, OIC
-- H.E. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
H.E. Bob Hawke
-- Former, Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Former President, Sri lanka.
-- Moderator:
-- Mr John Defterios, FBC Media, London 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm UNCH / Prayers Break
Venue: Lawn of Jinnah Convention Centre 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm:
-- BREAKOUT SESSIONS - PARALLEL SESSION I
-- SESSION A
-- Successful Entrepreneurs In A Global Marketplace
-- Venue : Committee Room No 1, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- The rapid pace of globalisation and liberalisation has opened up challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs globally. Businesses need to rethink their strategies to succeed in the global marketplace and emerge to be global and regional players. New rules of competition with a myriad web of bilateral and multilateral FTAs present new challenges. How can Muslim entrepreneurs succeed? What are the key success factors? How to partner and collaborate to grow? What lessons can be learnt? How can the entrepreneurial future be developed?
-- Panelists:
-- H.E. Sheikh Saleh Kamel, Chairman, Dallah Al Baraka Group & President, Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry
-- Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head - Corporate Social Responsibility, KPMG International
-- Sir Anwar Pervez, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Best Way Group, UK
-- Mr Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, Ethan Allen Interiors, USA
-- Mr Syed Babar Ali, Packages Ltd, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
-- Mr Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Chairman, Aktel, Bangladesh
-- Moderator:
-- Mr Selcuk Erden, Regional Manager, Southeren Eurasia Region, The Coca Cola Company
-- SESSION B
-- Opportunities In Information, Telecommunications and Outsourcing - New Growth Models
-- The phenomenal growth of ICT is reshaping the business world with digital convergence driving new industries and new business models. Mobile phone penetration, broadcast and outsourcing offers new business and investment opportunities. What are the key trends ahead? How will this new IT and digital eco-system evolve? How will countries and companies respond to the outsourcing challenge?
-- Panelists:
-- H.E. Dr Naguib Sawiris, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, ORASCOM Telecom, Egypt
-- Mr Tanri Abeng, Chairman, Telkom Indonesia
-- Mr Yusof Annuar Yaacob, Chief Executive Officer, TM International Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
-- Mr Leonidas Georgiades, Director Teradata Solution, Middle East & Africa, NCR Corporation
-- Mr Zia Chishti, Align Technologies, Inc, USA
-- Mr Safi Qureshey, President and CEO, Sky line Ventures, USA
-- Moderator:
-- Mr Arve Johansen, SEVP Telenor Group
-- 3.00 pm -4.30 pm: PLENARY SESSION 2,
-- Venue: Main Hall, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Opportunities in Infrastructure Development - Public-Private Partnership for Successful Implementation
-- Rapid economic development calls for massive infrastructure development. Sustained growth requires continued investment in infrastructure so that countries continue to obtain competitive advantage. Bridges, highways, telecommunications, power plants utilities - these need to be constructed. Where are the new opportunities for infrastructure development? How to successfully structure infrastructure deals? What are the key success factors? How to forge public-private partnership for infrastructure projects?
-- Panelists:
-- H.E. Dr Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, Finance Minister, Afghanistan
H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman Emaar Group UAE
-- Mr Abdul Razak Daud, Chairman, Descon Pakistan
-- Mr Vince Harris, Regional Managing Director,
-- Asia International Power plc, Singapore. Former Managing Director, Hubco
-- Mr Saadeddine Rafic Hariri, General Manager, Saudi Oger Ltd & Chairman, Oger Telecom
-- S. Hirashima, Professor Emeritus, Meiji Gakuin University, S.I Project Formulation Advisor, JICA, Pakistan Office
-- Dr Marcus Fedder, Chairman Pakistan Infrastructure Fund, London
-- Moderator:
-- Mr John Defterios, FBC Media, London 4.30-6.15 PM
-- PLENARY SESSION 3
-- Venue: Main Hall, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Managing Energy Demands - The New Global Energy Paradigm
-- The world's energy needs continue to increase despite the high increase in oil prices. The emergence of China and India has fuelled new demand for energy. The Islamic Worlds possess a vast quantity of the world's oil and gas reserves. How can petrodollars in the Arab World assist economic development of Muslim countries? How can energy demands be met? Will moves to increase use of alternative and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency pose new challenges and complications? What is the global energy outlook?
-- 4.30 pm to 5.00pm Speech by: H.E. I. Ali Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
-- Followed by Q & A 5.00 pm-6.15 pm
-- Panel Discussion:
-- Dato Paduka Timothy Ong, Chairman, Brunei Economic development Board, Brunei.
-- Mr Jean Jacques Mosconi, SVP, Strategy & Development TOTAL, France
-- Tan Sri Dato Sri Mohd Hassan Merican, President and Chief Executive Officer, Petronas Malaysia
-- Mr Salman Zaheer, Sector Manager Energy, Washington D.C
-- Mr Nejib Zaafrani, V.P Strategic Alliances, Middel East, Caspian & South Asia, Shell Exploration.
-- Moderator:
-- Mr Mukhtar Ahmed, Adviser to P.M for Energy 8:00 pm - 10.30 pm
-- GALA DINNER
DAY THREE 7 November 2006 9.00 am - 10.30 am:
-- BREAKOUT SESSIONS - PARALLEL SESSION II
-- SESSION E
-- Venue: Committee Room No 1, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Leveraging The Global Supply Chain For Competitive Advantage & Value Creation
-- The global supply chain provides vast opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies. Growth in manufacturing and demand for efficient logistics require global networks, state-of-the-art information systems and effective logistics management. Value creation will drive profitability and sustain competitive advantage. Integration into the global supply chain is a key success factor for countries and companies to move up the value chain. How can countries take advantage of these opportunities? What can companies do to integrate into the global supply chain? What are the benefits of logistics management? What are the key success factors and lessons to be learnt? What are the threats and risks?
-- Panelists:
-- Mr Thomas Martin Huebner, Chief Executive Officer, Metro Cash-n-Carry, GmbH
-- Mr Ian Buchanan, former Chairman, Booz Allen & Hamilton (Australia) Ltd
-- Mr Saquib H. Shirazi, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Honda, Pakistan
-- Mr Ehsan Malik, CEO, Unilever, Pakistan
-- Moderator:
-- Mr Mirzan Mahathir, Chairman, Konsortium Logistik Berhad, Malaysia
-- SESSION F
-- Venue: Committee Room No 2, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Tourism - The Next Growth Industry
-- Tourism is the new industry of the future where Muslim countries can benefit from if properly organised. The rapid growth in travel and tourism will fuel growth in the leisure and hospitality industries. Conventions, exhibitions, incentives tours will continue to fuel growth in travel and tourism. So will rising affluence and the expanding middle class in many part of Asia. What are the trends in travel and tourism? However, tourists demand a high level of service and assurance of security. How can Muslim countries develop the tourism potential? Where are the opportunities in tourism? What can be done to attract tourists? How can airlines assist in developing tourism?
-- Panelists:
-- Mr Ali Riza Arslan, Vice Chairman, MUSIAD, Turkey
-- Dato' Dr Munir Majid, Chairman, Malaysia Airlines
-- Mr Ebrahim Patel, Chief Executive Officer, TransAfrix Holdings, South Africa
-- Mr Sameh Sawiris, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Orascom Hotels & Development, Egypt
-- Mr Sultan Allana, Chairman, Habib Bank Pakistan, Limited.
-- Moderator:
-- Mr Tariq Kirmani, Chief Executive, PIA
-- 10.30 am - 11.00 am Morning Refreshments & Informal Business Interactions.
-- Venue: Lawn of Jinnah Convention Centre
11.00 am - 12.30 pm
-- PLENARY SESSION 4
-- Venue: Main Hall, Jinnah Convention Centre
-- Diversifying Investment Portfolios for Profit and Security Direct foreign investments and portfolio investments continue to be key drivers for economic growth and prosperity. Trade and investments have continued to rise. Rosy trade and investment figures augur well for the sustainability of the world economy. However, in managing risks, investors will look at diversifying their investment portfolios. Sophisticated banking and financial services are necessary to stimulate investment flows. Where are the new investment opportunities? What is the necessary architecture to address investment risks? What are the impediments to investments? What are Governments doing to provide investment security and what are companies doing to protect their investments? Where are investments flowing?
-- Panelists:
-- Mr Francis Rozario, CEO, Asia Financial Holdings Pte. Limited, Singapore
-- Mr Farhan Sharaff, CIO of MJX, New York, USA
-- Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor, Central Bank of Malaysia
-- Mr Arif Naqvi Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abraaj Capital Limited, UAE
-- Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Ex-Minister Investment and Privatisation, Government of Pakistan
-- Moderator:
-- Dr Ishrat Hussain, Chairman, National Reforms Commission Ex-Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
-- 12.30 pm - 2.00 pm : LUNCHEON & CLOSING CEREMONY (Hosted by PIA)
-- Venue: Lawn of Jinnah Convention Centre
-- PRESENTATION OF REPORT BY WIBN
-- Dato Dr Norraesah Mohamad, Chairperson, World Islamic Businesswomen Network, WIEF , Malaysia
-- ADOPTION OF FORUM DECLARATION AND SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
-- Dato' Dr Michael Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation & Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute
-- CLOSING ADDRESS
-- Tun Musa Hitam,Chairman, World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation and Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
-- VOTE OF THANKS by: Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and Statistics
-- Lunch 2.00 pm:
-- End of Economic Forum